Christmas in Kilarney (okay California)

Christmas Eve my parents and I went to the beach! It was like 74 degrees and GORGEOUS! We walked out on the pier and went to Ruby's which is like this little diner. Very fun - and quite tasty!

Here are a few pictures from the pier:

Also, saw this guy just sitting on the pier, and THESE GUYS - had to go in for closer inspection!

(let's face it - 2 holidays in a row w/ surfers...*sigh*...2007 rocked! haha)

Then my dad and I went to walk on the beach. We saw this girl. Which he seemed stuck, so we picked her up - but she was totally pregnant and burying herself to lay some babies! Very cute.

And then there were THESE GUYS! Probably straight over the boarder (thanks boarder patrol!) looking for some fresh fish for Christmas Dinner! haha. All I know is I love that I could sneak in a few shots! (Kristi, I'll train you better on how to be a spy!)

California for Christmas

I flew in late last night - after an hour long delay in Salt Lake ....BLEH. I think my parents think they won the GOLDEN TICKET because I didn't throw a huge fit about going to church with them this morning. I too can be a Christmas and Easter Mormon! haha. Just kidding (kind of). I told them I'm taking their gifts back and they can consider that their present. Which oddly enough, they were fine with! haha.

We were going to go to the Wild Animal Park and drive through to see the lights, but I let (okay begged) my dad and mom to open their gifts from me - so we've been watching Season One of The Office all afternoon <-----dad's gift! Which of course is great for me because then we can just hang out and not have any major plans.

Hope you're all having a very Merry Christmas! Thanks to everyone for the gorgeous photo holiday cards. Your families are gorgeous! Love to you all.

Movie Mania!

I love movies...I swear - they're so great. Even the bad ones, sometimes I still like just for the entertainment value and the memorable quotes you can re-use.
This weekend we saw a couple of movies that were actually quite great!

First up...

This movie was cute! At first when it started I was like, "OH NO!!! What've I done?" And Matt leaned over and was like, "Uh...did you know this was a cartoon?" Like I had just hoodwinked him. I warned him it was a chick-flick and he let me pick....so he'd been warned! After I realized it was a joke and supposed to be over the top cheesy...I REALLY liked it. It was QUITE CUTE!




Then Saturday night after shopping at the Gateway, we saw
Dan In Real Life. I REALLY liked this movie. I think I liked
it mostly because Matt things Steve Carrell is probably the
funniest person in the world. His laugh sometimes, just when
Steve is making a face - is probably the funniest part! haha.
If you haven't seen this either, it was cute! The middle
daughter was probably my favourite character.

Anyway, another very fun weekend. I got a lot of cleaning done on Saturday but didn't make it to the grocery store like I should've. Oh well.

Hairy Legs and Pink Shoes

Last night after a long day of work Matt decided that we should go hot tubbing at my place. Fantastic Idea! I got home and thought he'd be there shortly after. I get a text that asks where I'm at - I tell him home. He says he's already in the hot tub waiting for me! Apparently he was pretty excited to get in there. I look out my window that overlooks the pool and there he is waving up. Silly man.
So I head down there. It was fun! The whole time he was asking if I wanted to get out and make snow angels (he did!) or get in the non-heated swimming pool (he did!). It was already snowing lightly out, which made it pretty, but I'm under the school of thought that if I'm warm...why would I make myself cold on purpose!?! I wish I had pictures of the snow angel or pool jump because it was pretty great.
We call it a night in the hot tub and we go back to my house. I come out of the bathroom after getting out of my swimsuit and into warm PJ's and there's Matt wearing this:

A towel over his surf shorts and my Pink Roxy flip flops with pearls and jewels and doodads on them. They're my outside shoes and are usually on the deck, but last week setting up Christmas lights I wore them in. They've been by my coffee table for like a week since and he's been obsessed with them! Constant comments. I seriously thinks he loves them. They don't quite fit...haha. Of course I took a picture and told him it was going on the blog. He said he's not lovin' the blog...Well then sir, please don't wear my shoes (pink or otherwise) around the house!

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Alright, so yesterday we braved the freezing cold weather and went downtown to see the lights. It was actually really fun even though it was SOOO cold, and slick, and I swear we almost fell down like 100 times. That just made it more fun I guess! The lights were very pretty! The little square just outside temple square had a big "pond" with these lights on them. I think that was my favourite part.

Although there was one tree that I really loved too. I don't know who has the patience to put up those tiny lights so perfecty, but well - God Bless 'em. All in all a very festive evening. Oh and some good snugglin'. The pictures are crap because my camera was having issues until the very end. haha. Sorry! But proof I was there.

My weekend!

Wow - sometimes when I put my mind to something...I can really get a lot done!! Who would've thought?
Saturday night I met up with Melissa at Target to knock out some serious Christmas shopping at the Target. I really didn't have a list of anything (which is really unlike me) and so I just started throwing stuff in my cart. Seriously $200+ later I really didn't buy for anyone. Hmmm...Houston we may have a problem! I put up Christmas lights at my house, that looked cuter in my head, but it was a pain in the arse so they're staying up UGLY this year.
I did laundry, wrapped presents, listened to my Martina McBride Christmas CD. I'm not THAT loving it - but my mom has an extra Josh Groban and she was going to mail it....and I'm FORBIDDEN to buy it...it NEARLY went in the cart at Target because I wanted it THEN! I'm so impatient sometimes.....okay all the time!

Today I did some more laundry, and hung up clothes that have been on top of my dryer for a week. I'm really good at doing the laundry, I just hate putting it away.

Tomorrow I have work, a meeting after work, and then Matt and I are going to check the lights downtown. Very fun! I'm finally feeling FESTIVE! (no Santa's hats or jingle bells around the neck anytime soon - I'm still Jamie) but I love that now I'm feeling Christmasy. Although I'll be in California for Christmas where it'll be like 80 degrees and I could probably surf. What the H kinda Christmas is that?!?!
ps - the H is because I've vowed to give up swearing. I dropped the F bomb like 3 times driving 2 miles...clearly outta hand!

I'll take pictures of the pretty lights tomorrow! God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen!

A Thanksgiving post in December?

Yep! That's about how bloggish I am these days!

Anyway, for those of you that don't know - I'm from OREGON! My parents have since relocated to Southern California, but my 3 brothers (Matt, Jacob, and Blake) and nephew Trent still live up there. My parents rented this house that we love and have stayed in before. It's up on this cliff with this gorgeous view of the ocean. It's big enough to sleep everyone comfortably and plenty of room so you're not stepping all over each other. The trip was fun and relaxing and the weather was absolutely fantastic! Here are some pictures:

First of all, a few reasons I LOVE OREGON....the scenery.

this is Mt St. Helens out the airplane window



This is Mt Hood from the I-205 freeway on the way back to the airport. And the Columbia River.


This is out back of this place called Camp 18 on the way to the beach that we stopped at for some food.


A view of the beach, complete with surfers (YUM!) out the back porch of the house!


Ahhh, the beach. Can't ask for better views.


These little rascals came to the back door on the last night in the house. So cute! We fed them rolls leftover from Thanksgiving Dinner.


And of course...the brothers (and family)

Christmas Quiz

So peer pressure made me do this. Actually I love quizzes. I'm one of those weird people that actually will spend 20 minutes on the phone answering random questions. haha. DORK!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper!! I'm anal about corners being perfect, etc. I love pretty packages.

2. Real tree or artificial? REAL! (if I chose to get a tree!) Although I hate the mess...I don't care how many candles you burn to smell like a pine tree...it's NOT the same. Also, in Oregon you could go to a lot and cut yours down. That was pretty fun.

3. When do you put up the tree? Because I don't really wanna drag a tree up 3 flights of stairs, and then back down when it's over - I've not done the tree tradition for a bit.

4. When do you take the tree down? See note above.

5. Do you like eggnog? Gag me with a Green Twinkie

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My pink huffy 10 speed. Seriously, what doesn't sound cool about that even now?

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Nope

8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad! I feel like all I ever get him is DVD's or a tie. BORING!

9. Easiest person to buy for? My mom. I swear I could give that lady a spoon and she'd cry and think it was the best thing on Earth. Either she crazy...or a mom....jury's still out on crazy.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? I always have good intentions to mail cards. We'll see.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Family Man. Not your standard answer, but I do love it.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Dec 1. Except then I always remember how I have to not make eye contact with those damn bell ringers at EVERY stinking store I go in!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't believe I have. I'll take it back for store credit if I don't LOVE it - but that's rare.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Breakfast Pizza on Christmas Morning. I swear I wait all year for that stuff. Yes I can make it not on Christmas, but then what would I look forward too.

16 Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear.

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night. I think I tear up every time I hear it. And if you give me the Josh Groban version - I'm a gonner!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Either. It's just me so I do what I want. If I'm home, I'll just talk to my family in the morning and head up snowboarding for the day.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? But of course!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We always had an angel growing up, but I'm uncomfortable in my older age with the idea of the tip of the tree up her skirt...i'll opt for the star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We had to chant "OPEN PRESENTS" for like 2 hours, then finally were allowed to open one of our choosing from a family member (which was stupid because the Harker's can't keep secrets so we all know what they are anyway). But I swear we still act SO excited when we open them! We are so weird.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Those blasted bell ringers! I gave my money to the last guy - don't eyeball me elfkin man!

23. Favorite Christmas tradition? On Christmas Eve night each child gets in the shower and while each one is in there the "pixies" will come and lay out new pajamas. It was always a fun tradition. I'm pretty sure now - the shower event was just to encourage those CRAZY-HAIRED Christmas morning pictures. Mission Accomplished Mom and Dad.

24. Up early or sleeping in? Even now, at age 30...I wake up at 4am on Christmas morning. I'm sooo excited. And I've already opened all my presents anyways. The kids would all wake up early and go through our stockings...put everything back the way it was...and then do it again w/ the parents like we had no idea what was in it!

25. Who hands out the gifts? Who ever was closest to the tree - we didn't care.

26. Does Santa wrap your gifts? Yes! And my dad will "Tag" them to say "from Mortemer Creedashren, Santa's Elf". I swear he names them all.

27. Do you tell the Christmas story? Nope! I don't think we ever have. Except one year when my parents were feeling extra churchy.

28 Do you leave cookies for Santa? OF COURSE! and carrots for the reindeer!

I'm a blogging LOSER

I haven't really felt compelled to blog lately! I guess because my days have all been the same.

Last night I went for a Massage at Kura Door and LOVED IT! I could seriously get a massage weekly. But...at $105 + tip a pop....I'll settle for when I'm super stressed out and just really need it. But 90 minutes of heaven with a CUTE male massage therapist was fantastic. Then I went in the steam room where another cute male was just kickin it. I could get used to that place! Haha. It could possibly be that it's been forever since I had any action that makes me think they're all cute - but I'm pretty sure I still know the difference!

I'll blog about my Thanksgiving weekend later when I feel like downloading pictures. I'm Lazy!

Go Utes!

Yesterday, Laurel, me, and tiny baby Rachel got to attend the ass-kickin' of the year U of U vs Wyoming. Please check the scoreboard:

Yep! It really does say 50 - 0!!! Apparently the coach for Wyoming made some comment about he "guaranteed a victory over the Utes and they'd be laughing about it on Monday." So Kyle (head coach) and the "gang" were pulling out all the punches just to make the wound bleed a little more. Which was pretty funny I've got to say, but perhaps a little unsportsmanlike conduct. Whatever, that jackass deserved what he got! Odd that I feel more energy from this school than I ever did the school I actually went to. Okay well - paid tuition to. I'm pretty sure we all know how often I actually went! HAHA!

Since Laurel's husband is one of the offensive coaches, we got great seats! It was a gorgeous day, and we had lots of fun! The family of the coaches/players even get to go on the field after the game. Kinda fun I gotta tell you. You feel pretty tiny on that GIANT field.



(pictures are the troll wig we put on Rachel, because Laurel's a "mean mama" that makes her child look like a freak because she can; me and Rachey at the game (the helmet is to help re-shape her head and I love Laurel that she laughs at the 'extra' smiles moms give as you're walking around with her; the band on the field at the end of the game; the players with my 10x zoom from the seats.)

Here is Aaron (Laurel's husband) - he's the cute one in the white shirt...not the creepy old guy looking up at the camera - in action on the field:

And a pictures - just to make Natalie drool a wee bit. Here's pictures of where our seats were:

Hayley, Jo, Me & The Chili's

Last night Hayley and I had one of our dinners. I think we've decided that if we're not dating anyone - we should be okay with dating each other once in awhile. (I'm sad to report she's not as "easy" as she let on in the beginning!)

Anyway, I was late and then we were FINALLY seated! We were seated in Jo's section. Quite possibly 30 minutes passed before we were even acknowledged. Drink orders were taken and then another 100 years passed before they were brought without straws. Mind you the place wasn't SUPER busy or anything crazy - but we didn't even get an "OMG, I'm sooooo sorry - I'm new!" or... "Wow, my section has been SO busy and the kitchen caught fire, and all the dishes had to be remade because fire extinguisher 'juice' got on the meals..." (note: if i was a food service attendant, I would make up the most outrageous stories EVER! Oh wait...I do that already!)

Anyway Jo finally returns with our drinks and throws some napkins on the table. Literally throws. I was already annoyed (and HUNGRY!) So I look at my napkin and realize she's crimped it. DUDE, LEAVE THE ATTITUDE AT THE LAST TABLE!

Exhibit A: The criming - caught on film.
First of all - who knows what I want to wipe with that napkin...and now...who knows where the hands of the culprit behind said crimping have been. Jo...she seemed sketchy from the beginning.


Now...as I'm about to bitch and moan to Hayley about it - I look over to the napkin brought to her kindly by the very same Jo. Need I say more!?!


Okay in all fairness to Jo. This event was slightly dramatized for blogging purposes. Hayley crumbled the napkin up for effect before the picture was taken and after I did actually complain about the state of my napkin upon deliver. But Jo still sucked!

Random Comment of the day

Do you ever look at a guy, check out his hiney - and just know his ass is hairy? Like monkey hairy - not just the every guy has a little fuzz on his rump. Seriously I think I have "the gift". You know what they say about not hiding your talents under a bushel.

This kid is smart.

So at first I thought he said "I like buttholes" - which of course would've been even better (and VERY MUCH like Oregon)...but the randomness of "I like turtles" with the zombie face on - priceless!

Yes I know lately my posts are all about videos from YouTube, but they're funny!

Ryan Taylor Bliss

Okay - so I'm officially in love with this guy. I've watched this video probably 100 times today while I've been stuck at work!! This is an original song by him. It's usually higher than i like in my men...but FREAK! i love it!

The line "I wanna take you home and undress you with my teeth" doesn't hurt either!

My Pissy Weekend

Alright - so here's the 411. I've officially been blocked at work from visiting blogging sites. Spending too much time on the internet and big brother is watching? YOU BETCHA! haha. So you'll get fewer posts from me.

Friday night I took a 1/2 day off work so that I could get all my ducks in a row for Witches Night at Gardner Village. A bunch of girls were invited and it was going to be SUPER fun. Then it was like 10 little indians and they started dropping like flies. It went a little something like this:

Hayley: Has parent conferences coming up and was behind on papers - so she couldn't make it. Obviously she'd be missed, but my heart will go on. (lately i've been making lots of Titanic remarks. Odd that I've never seen it!) And hers was a good reason.

Lindsi: Okay this is the GODFATHER of Witches Night. Her sister Sharma and Melissa and I went last year. She is all about this night! She texts me and says that her flight is delayed and she won't get back in time.

Laurel: She had soccer practice that went late. I was going to take Rachel (her daughter) with me to get a hat, etc. But Laurel took the car w/ the carseat so we were stuck at home.

Jennefer: She actually said "I could take it or leave it. I don't want to go, but was supporting you"! Well Piss on your Head then..You've been uninvited! haha. Kidding - i love her.

So by this time I was annoyed. And I texted Melissa to tell her - not to worry about it that we weren't going. Which she had plans for dinner anyway so she was going to have arrived later. BLEH! I was going to go Saturday to buy my blasted Nightstands. But I was still too depressed to show my face there!

Good think I have plans for some punkin' carving and a corn maze tomorrow with my friend Brad. That should lift my spirits!

2 lovely finds on You Tube (same guy)

I may be crucified for posting these..as one is a Hayley fav and one is a Natalie fav...however...the more I listen to this guy...LOVE!




and

Music

Just an update...

I have 3 sets of CD's and hawaiian Canadian just sent hers out today. Holly is shipping hers out today also I believe - so it shouldn't be long.

2 people dropped out because life sometimes gets in the way of music. No leather pants for those 2! haha. Actually one adopted a baby, which I guess is legit! Congrats!

So far I'm liking what I'm seeing. Good work Girls!

The Changing of the Guard

Okay - so usually I get the comment "Wow, you're 30?!! I would've guessed 24 tops!" Which is usually a lovely comment to hear I have to admit. However, today - I think I now know why I get those comments. My face is completely broken out right now! Yes I possibly have 10 zits on my face at this very moment. SICK! No wonder people probably think I look younger. I'm still going through "the change" and not the one for old ladies!

I have a love/hate thing with the changing of seasons. My face will change with it. It's dryer, it breaks out for the first little while. At first I thought I could blame my period, but that came and left last week. STUPID FACE! I've said my peace.

Leg hair

Okay so I'm trying to grow out my leg hair right now because I want to wax it. I just wanna try something different for a change. However, I'm completely grossed out by leg hair and this is a hard challenge! TGFTB!! (thank goodness for tall boots!)

Has anyone ever waxed their legs before? I really am going to try Nads first because I already have it and like it the couple times i've tried it. Really I just want someone to do it all for me - but not sure if I wanna strip down to a "diaper" and have someone just get to it. Images of 40 year old Virgin flashing through my head! haha.

Feedback please!

You know you're a lame-ass when...

You go shopping for groceries on a Saturday night and the highlight of your weekend is the new Tide Laundry Soap you bought and have been DYING to try out. Say it with me..."I need a MAN!" haha.

ps - the new Tide Pure Essentials White Lilac is completely FANTASTIC though. (Got the Downey that matches too! YUM) Love the way it smells! AND - a boy could totally use it!

You may say I'm a dreamer!

Go ahead...I'll let you!
I rarely dream. I know that people say you have to dream or you'd die or something, but I'm of the belief that is just an old wives tale! haha. Because LITERALLY I NEVER DREAM!

Last night - an exception. Quite possibly the onion rings I ate for dinner (tee hee). I dreamed (i think the correct word is dreamt but whatever) that my 3 brothers were all rival superheros. Pretty funny stuff. They weren't wearing spandex or anything (sick!) but they all had super powers. I can't remember the details, sadly - but I woke up giggling. Haha. I'm a big fan of dreaming now.

My very own Shout Out!

How cute is this lady that gave me a shout out for something that seems so normal everyday? Nearly a year ago, we did a promotion to give away some paper and she never got hers! So I sent her some product to make up for it! Anyway, nice to be recognized as a company that has great service!

The Pizza to End All Pizzas (and not in the good way)

Okay let's face it - I'm a pizza maniac! I swear I could eat it 3 times a day. With that being said - let me just tell you that Friday was my last pizza for quite sometime! I ordered above pictured Pizza and had me 3 slices for dinner. There's kind of a lot on them, so they fill you up! I went to bed about 1pm because I was tired...but not passing out falling asleep tired. Then I just layed there annoyed that I couldn't sleep. About 4:30am I finally got up because I wasn't really feeling so well. Which turned into Vomit-fest 2007! Seriously, even back in my Jamie was an alcoholic days - I don't remember thowing up this much! SICK! This continued on until 7:30am which finally I think I was just so tired I passed out. My schedule was completely off kilter the rest of the weekend! Stupid pizza! Papa John, you have been disowned from MY FAMILY!

Calling all amateur DJ's

Okay - so I think we'll end this on Friday the 28th of Sept. Sign up now on the original post to be sure you're on the list. Also email me your address at Jamie84102 (at) hotmail (dot) com. That way I can get envelopes ready so there's no delay.

Deadline to get me CD's is Oct 15th. Once I get your email saying your still IN - I'll send you my address so you can send those to me.

Checklist:
0 include number of CD's of participants
o include copy of playlist
o mail to Jamie so she can distribute
o wait patiently for the CD's to arrive at your door!

EYES LIPS FACE!!! (SHARE!)

Okay so my good friend Laurel called me last night to tell me about this fantastic deal that she found online. There is this makeup called E.L.F (eyes, lips, face). If you go to their website everything is just $1.00!!! Seriously! I'm loading up on brushes, etc. Her sister Rachel uses the makeup and loves it (she was the one that actually found the deal!) Even if you always wanted to try colors - now's the time. I just bought fake eyelashes for fun because well...they're $1.00. Also, when checking out - if you spend $30.00 use the code CAROLINA and it will save you like $10.00 or something.

ENJOY THE SHOPPING!

Priorities Ladies

Okay, so most of you know that this weekend I moved. It went well, no major to-do's. I did break one dish, which was kind of a bugger - but whatever. Anyway. I have yet to really get anything set up except this glorious tower of girly-ness.

Again...it's all about priorities.

Vegas Baby, Vegas!

I'll be gone in Las Vegas this week for work.
Holly - if you want to come to Vegas and walk a Scrapbooking show (where you can't buy anything, but see previews for everything that'll hit your store in a couple of months...call me. I probably can get you a badge! Bring a friend...i probably can get them a badge too!)

Anyway, i'll be out of commission for a week. Seeing how it's 12:15am and my flight leaves in 6 hours and I've not packed a thing...I should probably get on that.
ADIEU.

Finally a Holiday I can sink my teeth into!

Okay, so yes I'm obsessed with the musical Wicked - but it's fantastic. I received and email update regarding this glorious day. Now I have an excuse to be all the Wicked I want in one official day. LOVE THIS!

Here's the actual reason behind it:

To commemorate its 4th Anniversary on Broadway, WICKED has joined forces with the NEW YORK RESTORATION PROJECT to create The Friendship Garden, a beautiful community garden in Harlem. The Friendship Garden, which has been specially designed by WICKED associate set designer Edward Pierce, will officially open on WICKED Day, Sunday October 28, 2007, in a block party hosted by NYRP's Founder Bette Midler.

I'll actually just settle for Witches Day Out at Gardner Village on Oct 19th! Last year I went with my friends Melissa, Lindsi, and her sister Sharma. Totally fun night!

I propose some MUSIC!

**update: Natalie said we HAVE to use her logo...I don't like to disappoint!**
**IT'S GORGEOUS! For those of you that're still like, what? Do they still even make tapes anymore - well I don't have the answer to that, but we're making CD's anyway, so JOIN IN!**

Alright, I've seen on a few blogs where people have had book trades, sock trades, other trades. I'm proposing a mix cd music trade. Pick your top 15 songs you'd want to share with others. Everyone that signs up on this entry will send me that number of copies of the cd and the list of songs/artists on it....then I'll mail each person a whole slew of everyone else's cds. This way, I'll know who still needs to send theirs in, and who I need to send to, etc. I love finding new music and knowing what people listen to. This way, if you think you're a music know-it-all (natalie!) you can share with the world! Or at least the 3.5 people that read this blog. WHATTYA THINK? I'm actually kind of excited.

ps-i think there is a BETTER WAY to explain this - but I have a horrible headache and don't feel like re-thinking it. And..well - it's my blog! (so there!) haha. Tell your friends. The more the merrier.

My body is REJECTING shoes!

So all summer I've worn fun, high heels, but usually fairly open and breezy and certainly NO SOCKS! Well Utah has ONE rainstorm and I ready to start breaking out the beanies and armwarmers! So today I'm wearing dress pants and ankle boots. I literally thought the walk to my car this morning was going to do me in! Then my foot fell asleep this morning as well. I think my feet are going through DETOX with the leather that's encasing them. Mind you they're super cute boots, but even that is no match for the rejection.

Speaking of the rainstorm. Last night Melissa and I were talking about having one last rendezvous with deviance for Old Times Sake. I'm rounding up the girls: Kristi, Holly, Natalie (even though I don't think you were there that weekend...you know what I'm talking about).

The Weekend Pedicure

Okay, you can completely tell I'm stalling from the whole packing thing! haha. But I think that's why God invented Blogging.

This weekend Melissa and I went to get Pedicures. My toes were in desperate need. I hadn't had a pedicure since I was in California. YEESH! So we went to this place that we've gone to a few times. It's new - so things are clean. And I've watched them take the jets out and clean in them. I feel safe. It's owned by this Vietnamese lady that I swear is wearing the same thing every time we've gone in. However, today when we ventured into the pedicure place it was called something different and there were signs painted on the windows in Spanish. Now I'm not a complete moron and know the difference between Asian and Spanish languages - especially in writing. DUH! Symbols vs letters that anyone can read. So we go in and it's a totally different owner. BLEH. The pedicure was not great, the people were totally unprofessional. I'll not go back there.

Here are the things that made me giggle though about this pedicure:
1. Those of you that know me, know I'm completely grossed out by hairy legs. BLEH. But I went with 2 days of prickle. HAHA.
2. Even though the pedicure was not great - I enjoyed the spanish vs vietnamese. This time, I knew what they were saying. (Melissa's girl was getting step by step instructions as she went...which well - that alone is hilarious!)
3. This isn't a giggle, but why do people put on gloves to do a pedicure. a) you got into this knowing you were going to have to touch people. b) do they have hepititis...should i be nervous? c) nothing like the feel of latex being rubbed all over your legs as a massage.
4. The lady doing mine was completely weird. I don't profess to know anything about lotions, etc and what they do. But she would put lotion on and then instantly tell me to put my foot in the water. I'm pretty sure that's not right.
5. They had this parafin wax bucket filled with Peach wax. The funny thing is...it was plugged into the wall across the room. So she has to unplug it, and drag the whole thing across the room with the cord dragging on the floor. Pretty funny. I nearly lost it with the giggles on the ghetto-ness of this one.
6. The peach wax was lovely. Smelled good. Feet were soft. Then she put this cooling gel on right after she took the peely wax off. It smelled like peach flavored alcohol. SICK! Not what I want my little piggys to smell like.

That's all I can think of. Sadly this trip - we didn't see this guy walking along the street. That would've made up for it I think.

Some old guy wearing a pink silk captains uniform. HILARIOUS!

Okay you know I LOVE BEN....but...

I might have room in my life for a little Josh as well. You can't beat the original by Ben Harper, but seriously - Joshua Radin comes in the closest of seconds. It's a bad video - but his VOICE! *sigh*

I'm a REAL GROWN UP!

I know by now, all my friends have houses and yadda yadda yadda. However, besides my Dyson vacuum - I really haven't made any HUGE grown up purchases. UNTIL NOW!!
Yesterday I purchased new washer and dryer. Since I'm moving in 3 weeks - I definitely needed some place to do my laundry. Melissa had a washer/drying - but now I'll be living alone - so what was a girl to do? I probably didn't need to spend as much as I did, but it's an investment - so I figure, might as well get the ones you want right? These weren't completely the ones I wanted, but they're lovely. I get them delivered on the 22nd - MOVING DAY! HOO RAY!

They're both white - I just couldn't find a picture of the washer that was white. Whatever, you get the idea. I opted to NOT get the pedestals - which I probably will regret, but they were $190 each, and I would've needed 2. That's a low-end washing machine...so no thanks! Either way, I'm excited to be an official grown-up at age 30. Thank you.

Did you know Hayley loves...

Tonight at dinner with Hayley and Meeja (spelling? Sorry Meeja) one of the waiters that apparently had a potty mouth, and molested me from behind - a whole other story...I don't want to steal Hayley's thunder on this one - Hayley had the hots for. He kinda looked like Joey Fatone. I dared Hayley to graze him bum as we exited the restaurant, but she didn't. CHICKEN! Fun dinner though.

What I wish for the world

Sometimes I really do wish things could change. I'm not trying to wax superior (by any means!), but I sincerely believe that small things can change the world. Here are a few of the small things I believe and intend to invoke to "be the change I wish to see in the world" (Thanks Ghandi).

* I believe that if people need fewer "things" they will be happier.

* I believe that if people say "Good Morning" to complete strangers, that persons day will be better. Even if that person can't remember why by 10am.

* I believe that if I find myself, I will be able to make my own happiness.

* I believe that unconditional love doesn't mean always blindly accepting everything the people you love always do. It means you SHOULD question each other without injury or hurt feeling.

* I believe that first impressions can be wrong.

* I believe that if people stopped to breathe, not be in a rush for everything, there would be more time for the things that are important.

Dance Dance Revolution

Lately, I am loving this song. I swear it makes me dance - and I'm not much of a dancer. But mostly it makes me laugh. First of all - I wish I could pull off the hot pink streaks in my hair, or the knee high tube socks and heels, but I'll be okay. Maybe I'll be Avril for Halloween this year.

BARF!

Maybe nachos with Strawberry Quik wasn't the best dinner idea I've ever had. But c'mon - it was either that or go to the gym....DUH! haha.

Curly Sue

Lately I've been loving the curly hair. This weekend it worked out and was pretty cute. I did it again today and it's even better! WOW! I wish this didn't take 35 minutes to do, or I'd really do it every day! I love new hairstyles!

Glad to know I'm covered!

Just now, I got a call at work from Delta Airlines. When you travel you can opt to have them call you with delays or flight changes, or seat assignment changes whatever. My boss is in Portland, OR golfing this weekend (tough life!) and so I figured it was for him when the recording started. Actually it was to let ME know that my flight from Ghana, Africa to NYC was delayed. Phew! I'm really glad they called. I would've been pissed if I had to wait one more minute in that Ghananian (i just made that up) airport. Thanks Delta!

ps - and yes, for good Kharma today (Hayley I also believe in kharma) I called Delta and gave them the confirmation code so they could contact the correct person. I mean what if it was the President of Ghana that I make miss his flight because I was a jerk.

Things that annoy me lately in advertising.

Seriously - it seems like you can say just about anything these days in advertising and it's just supposed to be catchy, or mean something. This will be a short blog, but I'm just making a point. For instance...

Yoplait Yogurt. I love the stuff. But now I'm boycotting it because their ads on TV are so completely assinine! The fact that they say "May help with digestion". Well you know what, I MAY come over there and kick your ass for that statement! haha. How dumb is that!?!?! I mean, that's like saying, yogurt MAY help you gain financial freedom. And then when it doesn't...what they just say - well we said it MAY....

Okay here is another one. Always (the maxi-pad company). What is with the slogan that says "Have a Happy Period." SERIOUSLY! I mean, yes - it's a part of like, but I'm not going to throw a party each month when I get my period (unless there's a 'scare' I wasn't counting on! haha). I found this link to a story which is funny. It about sums it up on the Always people.

My date with Hayley

So last night Hayley and I decided that we should hang out - outside of the blogging world! What better way to break bread, than over a Bajio Flauta Salad. Hayley still likes the Cafe Rio one better, but wasn't disappointed!

We had fun! Talked forever, until seriously it was 4,000 degrees in the restaurant and decided to call it a night. Plus since I'm a recovering sick kid - I figured I should ease into my party animal nights slowly! haha.

Anyway, I think there was a definite spark! (haha). I'm really hoping she calls me to hang out again!
It's weird to hang out with a different "Jones girl". She sounds like Holly a little, and looks a little like her, just not as tall. So sometimes I would expect to look up and see Holly, but there I was with my new friend Hayley! I'm glad I get to know 2 Jones Girls! They're a funny bunch those Jones's.

Tagging

Up until reading my friend Holly's website, I thought this was just a "street" word for graffiti. Which I think is gorgeous and I'm amazed at what awesome things people can create with a can of spray paint. I also wonder how someone can tag something like the underside of a bridge. How do they get there? Okay I digress... So here are the questions I guess I'm supposed to answer.

4 things about me you may not know:
1. I sleep on my stomach. Cannot fall asleep any other way. Right arm fully bent at the elbow, under my pillow/under my head. Left arm usually up by my head somewhere. Left leg frog-legged. During summer months sometimes outside of the blankets. Right leg straight. (wow - I sleep kinda Feng Shui. Everything in balance.)
2. The first time I went on birth control, my boobs grew an entire size in one month. They've never shrunk back to normal. Now as I get fatter, they keep growing with me. When I lose weight - they still don't go away. Seriously - it's a curse. I'm not bragging!
3. Usually I go about 1 - 1.5 yrs in between hair cuts. The ends don't split so I figure, why waste my time. I hate the "salon".
4. Right now I'm completely addicted to the TV show Tori & Dean: Inn Love. It's only since I've been home sick for 2 days that I've discovered it. But I kinda like it.

4 Jobs I've had:
1. Janitor on BYU campus. No toilets!
2. What do you call those people in Temp Agencies that find people jobs. Recruiter? Sure...
3. Technical Support for a bank and their employees.
4. Purchasing Accts for a Finance Company.

4 Movies I can watch over and over:
1. Love Actually
2. Remeber the Titans
3. Notting Hill
4. Singin' In The Rain

4 Favorite TV shows:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Friends
3. Brothers & Sisters
4. Holly had a great one with Felicity.

4 Places I've lived:
1. San Diego, CA
2. Portland, OR
3. Naperville, IL
4. Salt Lake City, UT

4 Favorite foods:
1. Chips and Salsa
2. Bajio Flauta Salad
3. Taco Bell Bean Burrito w/ Sour Cream
4. Ice Cream
I had to throw in Ice Cream - I was sensing an overly Mexican Theme! Don't get me wrong...I LOVE-AH the Ice Cream!

4 Websites I check daily:
1. CNN.com
2. Blogs - multiple ones, multiple times a day
3. Craigslist.org
4. myspace.com

4 Places I've been on vacation:
1. Orlando, FL
2. Nashville, TN
3. San Diego, CA
4. Portland, OR

4 Nicknames:
1. James
2. Jaime (said Spanish style)
3. Jay Jay
4. Hark/Harker


I tag:
1. Hayley
2. Kristi Lee
3. Natalie
4. Tami
(seriously since I haven't been keeping up with tagging - sorry if you've already been hit).

I have strep throat

I'm completely bummed - and in TOTAL pain. This sucks! My glands are seriously ENORMOUS! After 2 days of figuring it would just go away, I decided to make a doctor's apt this morning. YUP! You would think since my tongue was white and you can see my glands through my throat without even opening up and saying "AH"....they wouldn't have to swab right? WRONG!!

I usually get the swollen glands about 3 times a year minimum. I have stopped going to doctors because in Portland, I was trying to build up a case to get a tonsillectomy. Every time I would get the swollen gland thing, I would suck up the $25.00 Co-pay and go to the doctor. I mean it's for the greater good right? Well (I'm not making this up), twice my doctor actually wrote me a prescription for LIFESAVERS! Not the minty kind mind you, but just the fruit ones - just to give me something to suck on. Suck on this ya big fraud! Therefore, my plans for the tonsillectomy never happened...and here I am still having gland issues. BLEH!

This doctor was good. I was in and out in under 30 minutes. Can't beat that really.
Off for some more sleep.

My new Journal Goal

I bought a new journal in California which is absolutely gorgeous. Unlined pages just waiting to be filled up. I decided last night that I was going to make it into a happy thoughts journal. I'll carry it with me always (it's not that big) and will add things that I hear people say (not just about me or to me) but anything that brings a smile to my face. I think it will be a fun idea. And when you get those dark cloud days, maybe pulling it out and reading it...even just to realize how dorky I am that I require a happy book, will pull me right out of my funk!

So far I already have 2 entries. I bought some colored pencils at Target last night so that I could draw pictures in it as well. Already loving this. Plus it's a great outlet for my constant brain activity at night.

Here's to hoping! Thank you in advance to all of you that inspire me.

Gone to California in my mind

Actually not just in my mind. I'm here in California this week visiting the parentals. I just got in yesterday and it's bee pretty great. Today we went to see the musical Wicked (again)...which I'm in absolute love with. My friend Natalie has a love for Les Mis...Wicked is mine. I love the music and the story and the set. For those of you that don't know it's a pre-quel to the Wizard of Oz. It explains why the witch is how she is, etc. It's REALLY funny and GREAT GREAT music. We saw it this time in Los Angeles. As I'm walking around Hollywood Blvd (which made me have Ryan Adams song - Goodbye Hollywood Blvd - in my head all day) I really can see myself living there. That's a pretty dirty part of LA, but I absolutely love the culture and the hustle and bustle of the on-goings. Even the 3 hours in traffic didn't phase me. It was great! I just feel HOME when I'm in Southern California. We'll see what develops.

Yesterday we went to see hairspray in the theatres, which was also quite cute. John Travolta is pretty great in it, although I couldn't get past his accent. Of course I LOVE Christopher Walken - and would see him in just about anything. He's cute in this movie as well.

Otherwise, I'm just hanging out. Closing out the blog will be a picture of my cute nephew Trent on his 2nd Birthday. I love his hair long like this...and of course the blue tongue from his blue cupcake is enough to want to just kiss him! I'll be back in Salt Lake on Wednesday night, but might check in from time to time while here.

I need to be sedated (Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba)

Lately I CANNOT sleep. It's bugging me to no end! My entire trip in Chicago I could not figure out a good temperature. I started out the coldest - which was TOO cold, then moved it BARELY and it was like a sauna. BLEH. Then the pillow situation. Usually I want to steal pillows from hotels because I love them so much. Not the case at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott. My neck is still crinked from them! DOUBLE BLEH! I thought the second I got home, that I'd be all queued up to sleep like a bebe...but alas - sleep is not my friend as of late!

Perhaps I'll sleeping pill it up this weekend! I've never taken one before - so I'm scared I'll pull a Rip Van Winkle and wake up in 1000 years (or was it 100?) Wouldn't that be freaky though? Waking up and you have all gray hair and you're all old and wrinkly? WEIRD! haha. Wow I get off on a tangent pretty easily!

Sweet dreams all!

She's Baaaaack!

Okay, so I've just walked in the door from my trip to Chicago for work and the first thing I'm doing is blogging. I've got a sickness (and the only cure is more cowbell!)

The trip was fun. TIRING! LOT'S of work - but a great show. Here's a funny tidbit. While at the show we arranged to have this Magazine film our booth while we explain our product. I was the selected hostess - which was completely weird. It was actually really fun and only took one take! The booth they were at before ours, they had to "cut" everytime they turned the lights on so the girl could throw up. She was pretty nervous I guess. Anyway, check it out on Memory Makers Magazine website. (Click on New CHA Videos and Prismatics Cardstock) And yes, with that white shirt - I'm wearing the nursing bra.

All in all it was fun. I was hoping to sleep in this morning at the hotel, but alas at 7:50am I had housekeeping knocking on my door. That was annoying! But I bought the new Harry Potter book and so - all was well on the flight home. Off to read some more!

I think I'm Nesting!

Perhaps it's Holly's talk about Will, and Kristi is expecting baby #3 anytime...let's chalk this story up to sympathy pangs.

I have been the worst version of myself this past week - so I decided to take a break from blogging. I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow for a week for work, so I figured I best get one blog in that will tide people over in my absence...and will this story do it!

For work, I have to wear certain clothing. Mostly white shirts. I came to the conclusion while trying on clothes while packing, that I do not own a single white bra. So, while in Target picking up SpaceBags and other such nonsense for my trip, I decided I should probably pick up a white bra so I wasn't complete WT. While talking to my friend Nate the entire tour de Target, I was looking and couldn't find a bra that didn't have 6 inches of padding, or the ones that were basically boobs on a hanger already. Seriously how can people wear those!? I finally find one that reminds me of a training bra. No underwire - which usually I opt for the underwire, but really it's a white bra, I won't be wearing it that often.

So, while still talking to Nate, I look at the size on the hanger (not the size on the actual bra) and head to the check out with the rest of my junk. I get home - still talking to Nate and start unloading my treasures. Well I'm stoked about my new white bra, I mean, how wholesome! So I try it on...I go to put it on and there are these weird things on the inside of my bra. I figure - well it's been awhile since I bought a white bra - maybe this is how they do the underwire. Or it's something totally new technology for bras and I'm now cutting edge! GO JAMIE! I think it's weird, but proceed to put the bra on. Then of course I have to go show Melissa because I'm quite proud of this thing! I'm trying to explain it to her about how it seems like a training bra, but it has these weird things inside - I'm like, "It's like a trainer bra - or like a nursing bra" (GIGGLE GIGGLE!) As I take the tag off, I look at the actual tag on the bra. Yep! A full on picture of a baby with the words NURSING bra right there. I"M AN EFFING RETARD! haha.

Needless to say I pranced around it in for the rest of the night. Just me, my nursing bra, and some PJ shorts. Then I made cookies. I'm already so much more maternal - just from the bra! Thanks Target! Ps - photo enclosed! I didn't want you to feel left out of the fun!

Baby Will has arrived! The winners are....

Okay, so there were some that were close, but not dead on - and then there were others (NATALIE!! amazing!) That were dead on.

So I played Price Is Right style rules (closest w/out going over).

William Michael O'Keefe stats:

Born on July 9. 2007 (2 winners)
Jan
Tami

8 lbs. 11 oz.
Natalie

6:33 pm. (close!)
Miss Hayley Jones

19.5" (close!)
Shelley

Email me (Jamie84102@hotmail.com) and I'll send you your surprises!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! (oh...and Congratulations Holly! haha)

Personality goes a long way

Today I think I was living in a fairy tale land. I saw a tree that looked straight out of the Disney movies that start talking and giving you advise. Trees are always very wise, have you noticed? I wonder why that is? And they are usually old ladies. Hmmmm... This tree reminded me of one that should be in a spooky forest though. It was certainly a male tree. Don't take my word for it - you be the judge! I love when you find marvels in everyday life.

I've got issues!

Last night Melissa and I and my friend Josh went to go see the movie Transformers. I went kicking and screaming because seriously...who cares right? It actually wasn't that bad! Kinda cheesy in a lot of places - but overall kind of a good message about the hope for human kind (if you can weed through the aliens that are trucks and planes and "transform" into talking "people".)

Here's where my issue comes in. When I'm watching movies like this - you know, end of the world kind where there's destruction everywhere you turn, I find myself not getting sucked into the drama of it all. I know I should be on the edge of my seat wondering if the good guys will win, or I wonder what they're all thinking kinds of things. BUT I'M NOT! I'm literally thinking "WOW! If this really happened, I would be one of the first ones dead! I'm never wearing practical shoes for all that running!" (no lie - that was going on in my head!) or.... "Great! Now that you've saved the city, how will life function now the the city needs to be completely rebuilt because of all the destruction?" I'm a nerd!

Which reminds me of my Junior year of high school where we had to write a paper to reason Romantic vs Scientific and which we were. I, being a girl, of course chose Romantic. However, my English teacher made me re-write it because even he knew then....I'm just not! Probably the comment I made while we were watching this romantic movie was that you could see the tire tracks in the grass from the truck they were filming on (that was filming ahead of the couple walking through this field) was really distracting. HAHA! I fear there's no hope for me!

ps - last night at the movie there was this couple ahead of me that almost made me vomit. They were older - like had a daughter and her boyfriend on a date w/ them. This lady called her husband "my spouse" like 15 times in 2 minutes. And they couldn't keep their hands off each other. Seriously - I'm all for PDA, but ICK! Somethings just shouldn't be brought in public!